A Look Back

∎Another of the city’s venerable elms fell victim to the saw today, as a giant in front of First Church was removed because of disease. A spokesman for the BPW emphasized that its removal will help protect other trees left on Main Street from becoming infected with the Dutch Elm disease.

∎The Smith College Day School has announced the inauguration of a ninth grade for next year. The new grade will offer a regular freshman-year program including algebra, modern European history, biology, a coordinated study of writing, grammar and literature, French and Latin.

25 Years Ago

∎Robert D. Snook of Bancroft Road recently received an award for academic achievement from Western New England College in Springfield. Snook received the American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law for academic performance and professional potential.

∎Motorists passing through the intersection of Florence Road and Route 10 will have to take heed of a flashing yellow and red light as of Friday. State Department of Public Works employees already have installed the wiring for the flashing light, which was granted the town after a group of concerned parents lobbied for safety improvements on Route 10.

10 Years Ago

∎The mayor now has in her hands a petition asking her to remove Planning Director Wayne Feiden from his post and issue a review of the Planning Department’s actions and spending. Spring Street resident Andrew Church delivered the stack of petitions containing about 250 signatures to Clare Higgins during the public comment portion of Thursday’s City Council meeting.

∎Peter Helliwell of Florence has been selected as the 2003 recipient of the Louis F. Oldershaw Community Service Award by the Greater Holyoke YMCA. Helliwell will be honored at the Y’s 117th annual dinner May 19 at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke.